Gear Fraud

[Nuts]

I just answered an email from a former client who wanted to put me onto a site full of 'bargains' where they had 'saved' a bundle on gear. In advice while they were down here I mentioned a few brands with a solid reputation. They had already bought the gear and while a bit of a dilemma, I doubt they plan anything more extreme than a tame day walk (so i didn't enlighten them). While this has been happening for years, I really don't see why all the talk about internet monitoring hasn't translated into some form of regulation, these growing number of fakes are available widely (especially through ebay) and I thought a topic where people could list brands examples might be worth keeping here. I don't really know the best way to go about it but these guys are out at the very least:

http://www.fashionfancier.com/womens-na ... ce-en.html

These are obviously fake to anyone that has use TNF gear, otherwise, generally, company websites are a good place to compare. (http://www.thenorthface.com)
For the chance that those offered could be old stock, trailspace is a good source:

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/the-nort ... ar/jacket/

Just to add that, personally, I would steer clear of less obvious fakes, the 'bargains', not straight brand theft but intellectual property theft in direct sales from China. (stoves are one that comes immediately to mind..). While they may even be almost the same quality (who knows) make no mistake that buying such gear is a direct contribution to the status quo. Above all, we see now the same items just being re-branded by the major players, is this 'dumbing down' good for anyone? No doubt the practice is in response to the growing number of fakes but at what price a 'bargain'? (and how many stoves are needed? and what is the 'total' cost of 10grams saved?)

arcteryx fraud: http://www.fashionfancier.com/mens-desi ... teryx.html
columbia fraud: http://www.fashionfancier.com/mens-desi ... umbia.html

Perhaps I'm pushing *&%$#! uphill? Maybe so.., off the soapbox and feeling a bit better for it, anyhow.. back to work.

[ninjapuppet]

Sadly I fell for that trap years ago. I bought some north face goretex bib pants from eBay for only $85. Appeared very good quality and I actually thought it was real until I compared it to a mates which he bought for $400 and started noticing little subtleties. Leaked bad after a week, but by that stage good feedback for the seller had already been left. You get what you pay for sometimes

[Liamy77]

please be really careful saying an item is fake unless you can prove it beyond doubt or there could be legal consequences such as libel?

you could say it "appears" fake or similar - just a thought.

please note THIS

[Nuts]

Fair enough Liam, and if anyone else gives examples they should investigate first, take personal responsibility for anything they expose.

(These are fake)

[Dale]

I nearly bought a Crux (English brand) mountaineering tent from a store in Sydney who were selling fake stock. I can't remember the store now and a quick check on eBay shows they aren't advertised anymore. If you buy a fashion item and find out it's not the real deal that's one thing, however your replica Rolex won't put your life in jeopardy like a fake mountaineering tent.

It's an important topic - good on you Nuts for starting the thread.

[Nuts]

yer right, or a failing, flaring (or exploding) gas cannister. Cheers Dale I think it is.
I contacted TNF in 2007 about this, a quick google shows the growth since then.

(btw, nice 'used' crux on ebay )